UNION BRIDGE NEWSLETTER
March/April 2010

CONTENTS From the Mayor's Desk Community Deputy Grant Project Update Computer Center Newsletter Census 2010 Snow	DATES TO REMEMBER   • Council Meetings Mar 22 & Apr 26 – 7 pm. • Planning & Zoning Meetings  Mar 18 & Apr 11 - 6:30 pm. • Council Work Sessions  Mar8 & Apr 11 - 6:30 pm. • Heritage Committee information, contact Kathy Erb 410-775-7450 or kathyerb@verizon.net • Articles for the May/June Newsletter are DUE IN THE TOWN OFFICE April 15, 2010 Web Page www.carr.org/~unionbr     E-mail unionbr@carr.org
FROM THE MAYOR’S DESK I want to thank everyone for their patience with our efforts to clear the streets of snow.  This has not been an easy task as I am sure you are aware, but the folks from Stambaugh’s Inc. have done a great job.  Some streets are one- lane only and we apologize for that, but there is just no place to put the snow without simply hauling it away.  This was done on Main Street and at the parking meters on Broadway to enable parking for the businesses.  Hauling snow is very expensive so I hope you understand why we don’t have more of it moved. We still need someone to fill the position of alternate member on the Planning and Zoning Board.  If you are interested in the future of the Town, this is an excellent place to start.  Thank you and stay safe Bret D. Grossnickle, Mayor UNION BRIDGE RESIDENT DEPUTY Greetings Union Bridge:  As I write this on February 15, it is once again snowing.  I don’t know about you, but I have had enough.  However, with the snow I have once again been impressed with the sense of community we have in Union Bridge.  During the last snow storm a resident of S. Main St., suffering from acute cabin fever, went door to door and invited his neighbors to meet him behind his house for a small bonfire and a little sledding for the kids.  From what I’m told a great time was had by all.  This storm will certainly be remembered by those in attendance for not just the snow but the camaraderie as well.  By the time you read this I’m sure the roads will still be choked with snow-let us be patient and careful, accidents can be avoided with just a little caution.  Quote for this issue: “let us love winter, for it is the Spring of genius.” Pietro Aretino. Vince Pacelli, DFC Carroll County Sheriff’s Office phone: 410-386-2900 ext. 4159   email: vpacelli@ccg.carr.org Tips: 1-888-399-TIPS   Emergency: 911   Non-emergency: 410-386-2900 Grant Projects Update Benedum Street Sidewalk- The Town of Union Bridge was awarded $242,000 from the Maryland’s Department of Housing and Community Development’s Community Development Block Grant Program.  The town has advertised for engineering bids.  There will be an informational public meeting held sometime this spring.  Residents will be informed of the date when it is scheduled.  Waste Water Treatment Plant ( WWTP) Backup Generator - Union Bridge received $88,000 from the Maryland Department of the Environment for the purchase and installation of a backup power generator to the town’s WWTP.  The generator has been delivered and is being installed.  Union Bridge Wetlands Park Trail System - The Town of Union Bridge was awarded $30,000 from the state Highway Administration to extend the town’s wetland park.  The extension will start near the bridge on the trail and extend approximately 1,500’.  Construction is expected to start in the spring of 2010. For questions on these or any other projects, please call the Town Office at 410-775-2711. Jared Schumacher, Town Consultant UNION BRIDGE COMPUTER CENTER The Computer Center is open Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  We follow the Carroll County Public Library holiday and snow closing schedule.  The Bookmobile visits every other Monday from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.  The spring schedule is January 11, 25; February 8, 22; March 8, 22; April 5, 19: May 3, 17.  We have six new laptops and two used ones that use a Wi-Fi connection to access the Internet.  Volunteers at the center are official Carroll County Public Library volunteers.  Students who volunteer can qualify for community service volunteer hours. Matt Gibbons, Bridges Secretary 2010 U.S. Census The U.S. Constitution requires that the population of the United States be counted every ten years.  The next Census Day is April 1, 2010.  The goal of the census is to count everybody, count them only once, and count them in the right place on Census Day.  Facts gathered in the census also help to shape decisions for the rest of the decade about public health, neighborhood improvements, transportation, education, senior services and much more. This count determines which states gain or lose representation in Congress.  It also determines the amount of state and federal funding communities receive over the course of the decade.  Data from the 2010 Census will directly affect how more than $4 trillion is allocated to local, state and tribal governments over the next 10 years. In 2007 alone, Carroll County received $716.38 per person in federal funds based on the 2000 census. 10 Questions, 10 Minutes to Complete With one of the shortest questionnaires in history, the 2010 Census asks for name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship , and whether you own or rent your home.  It takes only about ten minutes for the average household to complete.  Questions about how we live as a nation – our diversity, education, housing, jobs and more – are now covered in the American Community Survey, which is conducted every year and replaces the Census 2000 long-form questionnaire.  Responses to the 2010 Census questionnaire are required by law.  All responses are used for statistical purposes only, and all are strictly confidential.  For more information, please visit these sites: www.census.gov and www.census.state.md.us NEWSLETTER ATTENTION The newsletter is posted six times per year, January, March, May, July, September, and November, and may be viewed on the town’s web site at www.carr.org/~unionbr.  Also, upon request, paper copies may be picked up at the town hall. (410-775-2711) SEWER LINE BLOCKAGES RESIDENTS: If your sewer line becomes blocked please contact the Town Hall at 410-775-2711 before calling a plumber. Water & Sewer Emergencies Please page Amy Kalin at 410-899-1200 SNOW Main Street is a snow emergency route, NO PARKING is allowed when the snow emergency plan is in effect. REMOVE SNOW AND ICE TO A WIDTH OF 30" ON SIDEWALKS WITHIN 24 HOURS AFTER SNOW OR ICE CEASES TO FALL. PLEASE BE COURTEOUS TO OTHERS The Community Center tot lot and the new exercise trail are not dog parks.  Please pick up after your animals.  YARD WASTE PICKUP WILL BEGIN IN APRIL.  BAGS FOR YARD WASTE MAY BE PURCHASED AT THE TOWN HALL FOR $1.00. THIS CHARGE HELPS TO DEFRAY THE COST OF THE PICK UP. ZONING If you are considering any sort of construction project, please contact the Zoning Administrator.  Many projects will require a permit.  There may also be required distance from streets and property lines for some projects.  Please check out the town’s requirements before you begin your project.  SHRINER COURT Affordable one- bedroom apartments designed for seniors 62 and older.  Amenities include: one- level living, wall- to- wall carpeting, modern kitchens, garbage disposals, trash pick up, fire alarms, sprinkler system, on- site laundry, Community Building, and plenty of parking.  Contact Quantum Real Estate Management at 410-775-2940 for more information and a free tour and application.  PLEASE RECYCLE * IT'S STATE LAW * IT'S ENVIRONMENTALLY SMART * IT'S EASY AND * IT SAVES THE TOWN MONEY (YOUR TAXES) *THE MORE YOU RECYCLE THE LESS TRASH YOU PUT INTO LANDFILLS.  For more information contact the Bureau of Solid Waste at 410-386-2035. Contact the town office (410-775-2711) to get information for your organization placed in the newsletter!